GATESHEAD will be top of the Blue Square North for the first time — if they beat Solihull Moors at the International Stadium tomorrow and leaders Tamworth fail to win at lowly Hyde.

The Tynesiders follow up the Solihull game with another at home to Workington on Wednesday, and manager Ian Bogie has targeted a maximum points return.

Bogie said: “We are the form team in the Conference North, having picked up 22 points from the last 24 and we have to capitalise on the next two home games.

“We are in a great position and confidence is high, but you cannot take anything for granted in this league.

“Tamworth and Telford found out last week that clubs at the wrong end of the table are not pushovers when they dropped points to Hucknall and Hyde.

“Solihull and Workington will both come to Tyneside with nothing to lose and we will not underestimate them.”

Solihull have picked up only one away win in the league this season, while Workington are still searching for their first Conference North away win.

The Moors have experience in their side but have conceded 26 goals from 12 away games, eight of them defeats.

Gateshead, who sold striker David Southern to Newcastle Blue Star for £3,000 last night, are set to recall captain Kris Gate in midfield, while Graeme Armstrong should also return after two games on the bench to renew his strike partnership with in-demand Lee Novak.

Bogie added: “Only central defender Darren Holloway is unavailable, so there is plenty of competition in defence and midfield, and I hope to bring in two new faces next week.”

Southern’s departure has left the Tynesiders short on forwards but Bogie has targeted two strikers, including York City’s Craig Farrell.

The Teessider, who played 100-plus games for Carlisle United, would be a loan signing and the other un-named striker a permanent deal.